An 86-year-old man has been arrested by detectives investigating the brutal, unsolved murders of a couple shot dead in their South Wales farmhouse more than three decades ago. The arrest marks a dramatic new development in the 32-year-old cold case of Harry and Megan Tooze.
A Brutal Crime and a Miscarriage of Justice
Harry Tooze, 65, and his wife Megan, 67, were found shot dead at their Ty ar y Waun farm in Llanharry, south Wales, in July 1993. Their bloodied bodies had been hidden under hay bales in a cowshed after being blasted in the head with a shotgun from close range. The alarm was raised by their daughter, Cheryl, after she could not reach them by phone.
The initial investigation led to the arrest and conviction of Cheryl's then-boyfriend, Jonathan Jones. He was jailed for life in 1995 but freed just a year later when the Court of Appeal ruled his conviction unsafe. Cheryl stood by him, they later married, and have campaigned tirelessly for the real killer to be found.
Operation Vega: A Forensic Breakthrough?
The arrest on Wednesday follows an extensive two-and-a-half-year forensic review of the case, named Operation Vega. Led by Superintendent Mark Lewis, the review has been guided by renowned forensic scientist Professor Angela Gallop, who worked on the Stephen Lawrence case.
For 30 months, experts have re-examined all retained exhibits from the original murder scene. Advances in forensic science, particularly in DNA analysis, now allow evidence to be extracted from minute samples that were untestable in the 1990s. This thematic review aimed to find the vital clues that could finally solve the mystery.
An Enduring Mystery and a Plea for Answers
Superintendent Mark Lewis stated that while the arrest is a significant development, enquiries are ongoing. He made a direct appeal for information, acknowledging the profound impact the case has had on many people over the years.
"This case has affected many people over the years and our aim is to find the answers to the unanswered questions which remain about their deaths over 30 years on," said Supt Lewis. "Even with this passage of time I appeal to anyone who has any information about the murders to come forward."
The suspect, whose details have not been released, remains in custody for questioning. Jonathan Jones, now in his 60s, lives as a recluse. South Wales Police urge anyone with information to contact them, quoting occurrence number 2300016841.
